It's a skull ! No, a robot ! No, it's GAIKING !

Gaiking, Popy, Japan, 1970's

Gaiking (box), Popy, Japan
1970's

Gaiking was Toei Animation's first super robot series not based on an existing manga (the company's previous super robot anime Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, etc. were based on manga series by manga artist and writer Go Nagai). Even so, Go Nagai confirmed that the original idea was his. Toei studios did not want to pay royalties, so they kept him in the dark.

Really Bad-ass !